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Lonavala
& Khandala,
Maharashtra
Lonavala
& Khandala are two charming hill stations on the western slopes
of the Sahyadris, 5 km apart, that straddle the Mumbai-Pune highway
at an altitude of 625 m. The name `Lonavala' is derived from the
sanskrit word `Lanavli', which means a city surrounded by many caves.
Quite popular as health resorts, there are a number of sanotoria
dotting the hills in both towns. Khandala is smaller and the calmer
of the two. Taxis and auto-rickshaws are easily available here.
The MTDC runs a resort at Karla and another at Rye Woods, Lonavala.
Climate:
Temperatures vary from 12 degree celsius to 36
degree celsius throughout the year with an annual rainfall of 450
cm.
Best
time to visit: October
to May is the best time to visit.
How
to reach there:
Lonavala
is 104 km from Mumbai and 66 km from Pune.
Air: Pune
is the nearest airport, 66 km away.
Rail: All
trains from Mumbai to Pune and the South stop at Lonavala.
Road: Mumbai
is 104 km from Lonavala, the last 20 km of which wind up the ghats
through gruelling switchbacks. By road, take the Bor Ghat road at
Khopoli. Taxis are available from Dadar T.T Station in Mumbai. The
journey takes 3-4 hours. Maharashtra State buses plying between
Mumbai and Pune halt at Lonavala.
What
to see:
Some entertainment: Maharashtra
Tourism provides courses in rock and fort climbing at Karla, 12
km from Lonavala.
Tourists
can enjoy scenic views of the surrounding hills and in the monsoon,
with a myriad waterfalls, it can be enchanting.
Tiger's Leap:
A sheer 650 m drop from the tip of a cliff. The view is stunning.
Mohatta's Zoo:
(7 km from Lonavala) It has rare collection of birds and monkeys
from Africa and South America.
Reversing Point / Sunset Point / Tungarli Lake:
The first two are reputed for the panoramic vie they offer while
the latter is a manmade reservoir suited for picnickers.
Khandala
is especially beautiful during the monsoons: the clouds literally
envelope the entire town. Look out onto the hills and you will notice
a thousand waterfalls that gush from its sides and flow into ravines
below.
At
Lonavala, visit the Walvan and the Bushy dams. They are usually
full during the monsoons and attract hordes of tourists.
What
to shop:
Wander through Lonavala's bazaar and look for
Chikki and chiwda, for which the place is famous for. National
Chikki Mart or Rupam or any other stores will provide you a variety
of nut or seasame-seed filled chikki. Cooper's walnut and chocolate
fudge and coconut burfi are another popular draw.
Tourists
Info:
- At
Pune, MTDC Tourist Information Counter is just opposite the railway
station's First Class booking office. You can book MTDC long distance
buses and guided city tours, seek advice about other bus services.
- MTDC,
Opp. LIC Bldg.,
Madame Cama Road, Mumbai.
Tel:2026713, 2027762,2024627.
Around
the city:
Karla
Caves: About
12 km from Lonavala, on the Pune Road, are the Karla Caves. Belonging
to the 2nd century B.C., they bear a striking resemblance to those
at Ellora. The stupa inside the cave and the rock sculptures at
the entrance are an eloquent testimony of the skill of the artisans
of that time. Taxis and auto-rickshaws which are easily available
in Lonavala are the best way of getting to Karla.
Bhaja Caves: It
is situated 12 km from Lonavala. The 18 caves are believed to have
been built bu Buddhist monks in the 2nd century B.C. Cave 12th is
the largest and has a fine stilted vault. The last cave to the south
has excellent sculpture, including the famous `dancing couple'.
Bedsa Caves: About
15 km from Lonavala, are the famous ancient Buddhist rock-cut caves.
The `chaitya' here has 4 pillars with carving of horses, bulls,
and elephants. Its ribbed roof is supported by 26 pillars. As this
cave is isolated from the other two, it tends to get missed by the
visitors.
Rajmachi: It
is situated 10 km from Lonavala. The fort here is surrounded by
valleys and forests. In it are 2 smaller forts, Shrivardhan with
a Bhairavnath Temple, and Manoranjan has arsenals and guard houses.
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